According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for June - August 2022) released today (September 19) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 4.3% in May - July 2022 to 4.1% in June - August 2022. The underemployment rate also decreased from 2.2% in May - July 2022 to 2.0% in June - August 2022.
      
     Comparing June - August 2022 with May - July 2022, almost all major economic sectors saw a decrease in both the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) and underemployment rate. For the unemployment rate, more distinct decreases were observed in the decoration, repair and maintenance for buildings sector; and arts, entertainment and recreation sector. As to the underemployment rate, decreases were mainly seen in the decoration, repair and maintenance for buildings sector; food and beverage service activities sector; education sector; and arts, entertainment and recreation sector.
      
     Total employment increased by around 16 200 from 3 593 100 in May - July 2022 to 3 609 300 in June - August 2022. Over the same period, the labour force also increased by around 9 900 from 3 761 300 to 3 771 200.
      
     The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 6 300 from 168 200 in May - July 2022 to 161 900 in June - August 2022. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons also decreased by around 7 900 from 84 300 to 76 400.
                 
Commentary
      
     Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun said, "The labour market continued to improve alongside the revival of domestic economic activities, partly supported by the Phase II Consumption Voucher Scheme. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell by 0.2 percentage point from May - July 2022 to 4.1% in June - August 2022. The underemployment rate also declined by 0.2 percentage point to 2.0%. Total employment continued to increase by 16 200 to 3 609 300.  The number of unemployed persons fell further by 6 300 to 161 900."
      
     Analysed by sector, the unemployment rate of the consumption- and tourism-related sectors (viz. retail, accommodation and food services sectors) combined fell by 0.3 percentage point from the preceding three-month period to 6.2% in June - August 2022. Among these sectors, the unemployment rate for food and beverage service activities and that of the retail sector both fell by 0.3 percentage point, to 6.7% and 6.0% respectively. The unemployment rates of most other sectors also declined, more notably the decoration, repair and maintenance for buildings sector; and the arts, entertainment and recreation sector.
      
     Looking ahead, Mr Sun said, "The labour market should improve further in the near term with the extent of improvement largely depending on the performance of domestic economic activities. The Consumption Voucher Scheme should continue to support local consumption demand, yet the recent tightened financial conditions may pose some constraints. Moreover, the development of the local epidemic may also have bearings on economic activities and thus the labour market. It is therefore crucial for the community to continue to work in unison with the Government to bring the epidemic under control."
      
     On large-scale job fairs, the Labour Department (LD) will organise the Job Fair for Middle-aged and Elderly Employment at the MacPherson Stadium on September 22 and 23, 2022. Over 50 employers will participate, offering lots of vacancies from various industries. In June - August 2022, LD recorded a monthly average of 110 141 vacancies from the private sector, representing a year-on-year increase of 14.2% and an increase of 9.4% over the average figure in May - July 2022. Job-seekers may make use of the LD's online platforms such as the Interactive Employment Service website for obtaining such vacancy information.
      
Further information
      
     The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
      
     In the survey, the definitions used in measuring unemployment and underemployment follow closely those recommended by the International Labour Organization. The employed population covers all employers, self-employed persons, employees (including full-time, part-time, casual workers, etc) and unpaid family workers.  Unemployed persons by industry (or occupation) are classified according to their previous industry (or occupation).
      
     The survey for June - August 2022 covered a sample of some 25 000 households or 69 000 persons, selected in accordance with a scientifically designed sampling scheme to represent the population of Hong Kong. Labour force statistics compiled from this sample represented the situation in the moving three-month period of June to August 2022.
      
     Data on labour force characteristics were obtained from the survey by interviewing each member aged 15 or over in the sampled households.
      
     Statistical tables on the latest labour force statistics can be downloaded at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=D5250021&scode=200). More detailed analysis of the labour force characteristics is given in the "Quarterly Report on General Household Survey" which is published four times a year. The latest issue of the publication contains statistics for the quarter April - June 2022 while the next issue covering the quarter July - September 2022 will be available by end November 2022. Users can also download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1050001&scode=200).
      
     For enquiries about labour force statistics, please contact the General Household Survey Section (3) of the C&SD (Tel: 2887 5508 or email: ghs@censtatd.gov.hk).

Ends/Monday, September 19, 2022
Issued at HKT 16:30

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